Arts and Crafts in the Middle Ages eBook

Suddenly, on another page, came a change. A new
hand had taken up the work—­that of a novice.
He had not the skill of the previous worker in his
best days, but the indecision of his lines was that
of inexperience, not of failing ability. Gradually
he improved. His colours were clearer and ground
more smoothly; his gold showed a more glassy surface.
The book ended as it had begun, a virile work of art;
but in the course of its making, one man had grown
old, lost his skill, and died, and another had started
in his immaturity, gained his education, and devoted
his best years to this book.

The printing press stands for all that is progressive
and desirable; modern life and thought hang upon this
discovery. But in this glorious new birth there
was sacrificed a certain indescribable charm which
can never be felt now except by a book lover as he
turns the leaves of an ancient illuminated book.
To him it is given to understand that pathetic appeal
across the centuries.